A deadline set by police on Manus Island has passed without the return of three expatriate security staff wanted for questioning in relation to an attempted rape.

Manus Island police chief Alex N'Drasal gave Australian immigration officials until 4:06pm — the official close of business in PNG — to return the three expatriate men to PNG to assist police with their investigations.

That deadline has passed but it is not clear whether Mr N'Drasal will carry through with his threat to arrest the entire management of the Australian-run detention centre.

The ABC understands two extra flights were sent to Manus Island on Thursday and there are unconfirmed reports that staff are being evacuated from the centre.

The tensions relate to an incident that occurred in mid-July.

The case centres around a Papua New Guinean woman who says she was given pills by the men and passed out.